Be informed:

• Listen for pandemic influenza updates on TV or radio.
• Pandemic influenza may be very different than regular influenza.
• More people may get sick.
• People may have very severe illness.
• Currently, there is no vaccine for pandemic influenza.
• A pandemic may change the way we live our lives.
• People who are sick may be required to stay home.
• Schools and daycares may be closed to prevent the spread of disease.
• Social gatherings (such as church or other events) may be cancelled.

Have a plan:

• Establish an emergency communication plan, include staff, teachers, students and parents.
• Create an absentee policy that enables students and faculty to stay home if they have flu-like symptoms.  This is important in preventing the spread of disease!
• Develop procedures to ensure continuity of instruction (e.g. Web-based classes, or classes via radio or television) in the event of school closures.
• Be able to provide sufficient and accessible infection prevention supplies such as: soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and tissues.

Talk to your family:

• Talk to faculty, staff, parents and students about pandemic influenza and what the plans are for your school.
• When appropriate, include basic information about pandemic influenza in class discussions.
• Distribute materials with information about pandemic influenza, including modes of transmission and prevention.

For more information call (435) 843-2340.
Tooele County Health Department Division of Environmenal Health